SECOND SESSION - TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE

of the

Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan ______

DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS

______

(HANSARD) Published under the authority of The Honourable Don Toth Speaker

N.S. VOL. 51 NO. 48A THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2009, 10 a.m.

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF SASKATCHEWAN

Speaker — Hon. Don Toth Premier — Hon. Brad Wall Leader of the Opposition — Lorne Calvert

Name of Member Political Affiliation Constituency

Allchurch, Denis SP Rosthern-Shellbrook Atkinson, Pat NDP Saskatoon Nutana Belanger, Buckley NDP Athabasca Bjornerud, Hon. Bob SP Melville-Saltcoats Boyd, Hon. Bill SP Kindersley Bradshaw, Fred SP Carrot River Valley Brkich, Greg SP Arm River-Watrous Broten, Cam NDP Saskatoon Massey Place Calvert, Lorne NDP Saskatoon Riversdale Cheveldayoff, Hon. Ken SP Saskatoon Silver Springs Chisholm, Michael SP Cut Knife-Turtleford D’Autremont, Hon. Dan SP Cannington Draude, Hon. June SP Kelvington-Wadena Duncan, Dustin SP Weyburn-Big Muddy Eagles, Doreen SP Estevan Elhard, Hon. Wayne SP Cypress Hills Forbes, David NDP Saskatoon Centre Furber, Darcy NDP Prince Albert Northcote Gantefoer, Hon. Rod SP Melfort Harpauer, Hon. Donna SP Humboldt Harper, Ron NDP Regina Northeast Harrison, Jeremy SP Meadow Lake Hart, Glen SP Last Mountain-Touchwood Heppner, Hon. Nancy SP Martensville Hickie, Hon. Darryl SP Prince Albert Carlton Higgins, Deb NDP Moose Jaw Wakamow Hutchinson, Hon. Bill SP Regina South Huyghebaert, Yogi SP Wood River Iwanchuk, Andy NDP Saskatoon Fairview Junor, Judy NDP Saskatoon Eastview Kirsch, Delbert SP Batoche Krawetz, Hon. Ken SP Canora-Pelly LeClerc, Serge SP Saskatoon Northwest McCall, Warren NDP Regina Elphinstone-Centre McMillan, Tim SP Lloydminster McMorris, Hon. Don SP Indian Head-Milestone Michelson, Warren SP Moose Jaw North Morgan, Hon. Don SP Saskatoon Southeast Morin, Sandra NDP Regina Walsh Acres Nilson, John NDP Regina Lakeview Norris, Hon. Rob SP Saskatoon Greystone Ottenbreit, Greg SP Yorkton Quennell, Frank NDP Saskatoon Meewasin Reiter, Jim SP Rosetown-Elrose Ross, Laura SP Regina Qu’Appelle Valley Schriemer, Joceline SP Saskatoon Sutherland Stewart, Hon. Lyle SP Thunder Creek Taylor, Len NDP The Battlefords Tell, Hon. Christine SP Regina Wascana Plains Toth, Hon. Don SP Moosomin Trew, Kim NDP Regina Coronation Park Van Mulligen, Harry NDP Regina Douglas Park Vermette, Doyle NDP Cumberland Wall, Hon. Brad SP Swift Current Weekes, Randy SP Biggar Wilson, Nadine SP Saskatchewan Rivers Wotherspoon, Trent NDP Regina Rosemont Yates, Kevin NDP Regina Dewdney

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF SASKATCHEWAN 2737 April 9, 2009

[The Assembly met at 10:00.] The petition is signed by residents from Maple Creek, Melville, and Webb. I so present. [Prayers] Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Centre.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Wood River. Mr. Forbes: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling for wage equity for CBO Mr. Huyghebaert: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and [community-based organization] workers. And we know these through you to the Assembly, I‟d like to introduce 18 grade 8 to workers in the community-based organizations throughout 11 students in the west gallery from Mankota. And they‟re Saskatchewan have been traditionally underpaid, and because of accompanied by their teacher Rhonda Pilgrim and chaperones that there is an issue around high staff turnover, and the Ron Ficzel, Lana Nogue, Stan Scribner, Ross Schafer, and subsequent lack of caregiver continuity has a negative impact Dennis Dyck. on the quality of care clients give. I‟d like to read the prayer:

Mr. Speaker, these students have been through a year-long Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your Hon. leadership training program. The teachers have been working in Assembly may be pleased to cause the development and collaboration with the University of Regina‟s Greystone Centre implementation of a multi-year funding plan to ensure that for Interprofessional Collaboration to explore leadership CBO workers achieve wage equity with employees who opportunities for our youth and address issues facing youth in perform work of equal value in government departments. our school and communities. And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. Mr. Speaker, I will be meeting with the group after question period, and I would ask all members to please join me in Mr. Speaker, these folks come from Zealandia, Regina, and welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly. Saskatoon. Thank you very much.

Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear!

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Park. Acres.

Mr. Van Mulligen: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It‟s Ms. Morin: — Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition on my pleasure to introduce to you and through you to the behalf of rural residents of Saskatchewan who question why the members of the Legislative Assembly a guest that is seated in Sask Party government is leaving them behind when it comes to your gallery. He moved to Saskatchewan in July 2007, and he providing safe and affordable water. Mr. Speaker, the prayer and his family now reside in Grenfell where he is establishing reads as follows: his own business. And I wonder if the members would join with me in welcoming Mr. Danny Thompson. Thank you very much. Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your Hon. Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause the Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! government to financially assist the town of Duck Lake residents for the good of their health and safety due to the PRESENTING PETITIONS exorbitant water rates being forced on them by a government agency, and that this government fulfills its The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon commitment to rural Saskatchewan. Fairview. As in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. Mr. Iwanchuk: — Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition in support of the indexing of minimum wage. Mr. Speaker, the These petitions, Mr. Speaker, are signed by the good residents indexing of minimum wage would ensure that minimum wage of Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Duck Lake. I so present. earners would be able to maintain a standard of living as cost of living increases. And the prayers reads: Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear!

Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your Hon. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from The Battlefords. Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause the government to commit to indexing Saskatchewan Mr. Taylor: — Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. minimum wage to ensure that the standard of living of Speaker. I‟m pleased today to rise to present a petition in minimum wage earners is maintained in the face of the support of a new Saskatchewan hospital, Mr. Speaker. The cost of living increases. petitioners recognize that the existing nearly 100-year-old structure is in much need of replacement. The petitioners ask And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. that: 2738 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009

. . . the Legislative Assembly call upon the Government of Legislative Building are at half mast. Mr. Speaker, I encourage Saskatchewan to immediately recommit funds and everyone to take a moment today to reflect on and honour their resources for the continued development and construction legacy etched into the lives and freedoms that each one of us of a new Saskatchewan Hospital at North Battleford and enjoys every day here in Saskatchewan. Thank you. provide the Prairie North Regional Health Authority with the authority necessary to complete the essential and Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! much-needed project. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Mr. Speaker, the petitioners are all from The Battlefords Eastview. constituency. I so present, Mr. Speaker. St. Ann’s Senior Citizens’ Village Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Ms. Junor: — Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon dedication and commitment of the people at St. Ann‟s Senior Massey Place. Citizens‟ Village to providing quality housing and health care to all of their residents. St. Ann‟s, located in Saskatoon Eastview, Mr. Broten: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand today to operates as a special care home and independent living and a present a petition in support of fairness for graduate students in supported independent living apartment facility. Saskatchewan through the expansion of the graduate retention program. The prayer reads: St. Ann‟s is a Catholic seniors‟ home with a mandate of affirming the spiritual needs of residents, enabling them to live Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your Hon. in dignity while enjoying the respecting companionship of their Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause the peers. St. Ann‟s provides physiotherapy programs, social and government to immediately expand the graduate retention recreational programs, pharmacy and laboratory services, program to include master‟s and Ph.D. graduates. family physician services, and spiritual and religious services.

And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge all the hard work done by the organizers of the St. Ann‟s Annual Spring Gala Mr. Speaker, the individuals who signed this petition are being held on Sunday April 19. The Spring Gala is a refreshing, students from the University of Regina, University of exciting day of entertainment, Mr. Speaker, and an important Saskatchewan, as well as a number of health care professionals fundraiser for St. Ann‟s. The funds raised go to support capital practising here in the province who have graduate degrees. I so projects at St. Ann‟s, such as room renovations. The Spring present. Gala is not only a chance for residents, family, friends, and community members to socialize with each other, but it also Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! raises funds to make sure that St. Ann‟s is able to fulfill its mandate of providing quality housing. STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS Mr. Speaker, thanks to the hard work and dedication of St. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Wood River. Ann‟s staff and the organizers of the Spring Gala, residents of St. Ann‟s have much more than just a living space. They have a National Day of Remembrance of home. Thank you. the Battle of Vimy Ridge Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Mr. Huyghebaert: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Canada is a country that came of age as a nation on the The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Last battlefields of the First World War. Today is the National Day Mountain-Touchwood. of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Saskatchewan Legislative Internship Program Mr. Speaker, on this day 92 years ago, the Battle of Vimy Ridge began, a four-day battle that led to the capture of the critical Mr. Hart: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the high ground by the Canadian corps, including the soldiers of Saskatchewan legislative internship program is in its eighth four battalions that hailed from Saskatchewan. year. I‟m proud to say that I was one of the first MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly] to have an intern work Mr. Speaker, this battle has become a national symbol of with me when the program first started in 2002. Since that time, sacrifice and bravery. The actions of these soldiers defined the I‟ve had the enjoyable experience of working with four interns character and strength of our country and province. We owe a and am currently completing a term with one of the current debt of sincere gratitude and must never forget the defining interns, Ms. Dawn Gibbons. contribution of those who served, those who came back and helped continue to build our nation, and those who never I must say every experience and every term that I‟ve had an returned home to enjoy the freedom for which they fought so intern working with me has been very productive, very bravely. enjoyable, because these young people who sign up for this program are eager. They‟re bright. They look to expand the So in their honour, Mr. Speaker, flags on the Saskatchewan members‟ horizons with new ideas, and they certainly do April 9, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 2739 whatever is asked of them, Mr. Speaker. StarPhoenix‟s Les MacPherson refers to Lingenfelter‟s recent pronouncements on state expropriation of the potash, oil, and We are currently completing the first term, so those interns who gas industry as “crazy talk” and says, “The supposed are working with government members will, after Easter, start freebooting capitalist has transmogrified into something more their term with opposition members, and of course vice versa, like a frothing socialist.” Mr. Speaker. As I have said, my experience has been very enjoyable and productive, and I know the member from But can Lingenfelter actually believe what he says? After all, Saskatchewan Rivers, who has had an intern working with her, for the past eight years, he‟s been collecting paycheques from has had the same experience. Nexen energy, one of the most aggressive oil and gas companies in the world, with a gleaming 37-storey headquarters I would just encourage all members in this Assembly, when in downtown Calgary that‟s been described as a shrine to asked, to sign up for the intern program because it is a very capitalism. productive program that does great things for both the member and the interns. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Surely Lingenfelter understands the lunacy of what he‟s proposing. But what is even more revealing than Lingenfelter‟s Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! words are what those words reveal about his character. One day, a Calgary big oil lobbyist, happily collecting big paycheques The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina while jetting around the world, and the next, an NDP [New Dewdney. Democratic Party] leadership candidate spouting discredited nonsense and saying anything to get elected. Vimy Ridge Day Mr. Speaker, the people have seen this show before, and they Mr. Yates: — Mr. Speaker, today is Vimy Ridge Day. didn‟t like it the first time. With scenes like this one, it‟s little Ninety-two years ago today, Canadian troops under Canadian wonder that people have changed the channel on the NDP. leadership engaged the German army entrenched on Vimy Ridge. Four days later, Mr. Speaker, thanks to skilful planning, Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! innovative tactics, determination, and great, great courage, the Canadians prevailed and Vimy Ridge was taken. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Massey Place. It was a pivotal moment in the history of this country, Mr. Speaker. Some say it was the moment that a loose confederation Easter Message of provinces and territories matured as a country, and we took our place among the nations of the world. And it should then Mr. Broten: — Mr. Speaker, Easter is one of the holiest times come as no surprise, Mr. Speaker, that Canada has become of the Christian calendar. While Christmas has evolved to be a known as a country that values and defends human freedom, larger . . . justice, and peace because it was formed in the terrible crucible of a war. The Speaker: — The member from Saskatoon Massey Place may start over. Mr. Speaker, today we honour and remember the Canadian soldiers who fought at Vimy Ridge. There will be ceremonies Mr. Broten: — From the top. Mr. Speaker, Easter is one of the of tribute and remembrance across the country to honour their holiest times of the Christian calendar. While Christmas has memory. And while doing so, we can‟t help but remember and evolved to be a larger cultural celebration, Easter is for many pay tribute to all the Canadian men and women who down the most important time of the year from a personal and through the years have sacrificed and served in the cause of theological perspective. Whatever branch of the Christian faith peace including, Mr. Speaker, and perhaps especially, the one belongs to, Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant, this is a very Canadian men and women of our armed forces who today are in special time. harm‟s way. Thank you. For Christians around the world, Easter provides hope through Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Christ‟s redemptive work. It is a hope through faith that promises a better tomorrow and motivates better actions today. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Meadow Lake. The Easter story is an example of personal sacrifice for the benefit of many. It is an example that spurs active hope as NDP Leadership Candidate opposed to passive or accidental hope.

Mr. Harrison: — Mr. Speaker, with the humour and fun As Jesus stated, there is no greater love than to lay down one‟s replaced with hypocrisy and opportunism, it‟s my duty to life for one‟s friends. Mr. Speaker, regardless of religion or announce to the House that That ’70s Show is coming to personal beliefs, this is a principle that serves as a guide for Saskatchewan. Yes, Mr. Speaker, after eight years of palling many around the world. It‟s a principle that causes us to around with senior Tories in Cowtown, Calgary big oil lobbyist consider how we might put aside our own interests to meet the Dwain Lingenfelter has returned to Saskatchewan preaching a needs of others. I believe it calls us to seek co-operation and back-to-the-future version of 1970 socialism. collective action over the lure of unbridled self-interest.

And so far the reviews have been decidedly mixed. The In these days of economic uncertainty, many Canadians are 2740 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009 relying on hope. In countries where conflict is the norm, hope is the same time the Premier was saying no, they had no interest in all that keeps people going. Mr. Speaker, as Easter approaches, a new stadium, Crown Investments Corporation — apparently I encourage all of us to reflect on the spirit of hope and ask how the Sask Party‟s new source of mad money — was allocating up our actions can better reflect the hope we each believe in. to $70,000 to study the concept of a new stadium, something that the Minister of Municipal Affairs himself calls a large, a Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the official opposition, I would like to huge undertaking. wish all members and all Saskatchewan people a Happy Easter. Mr. Speaker, to the minister: why did the Sask Party claim it Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! had no interest in a new stadium at the same time it was allocating $70,000 of taxpayers‟ money to the study? The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Yorkton. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Mr. Ottenbreit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Although Christmas is probably the most recognized holiday of the year The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier. and is very important as it does celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, many in the Christian community see Easter as the most Hon. Mr. Wall: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The fact that the significant and important event as it is the foundation of the government has been working on some options, should there be Christian faith. some resources available down the road or some innovative way to achieve changes either to Mosaic Stadium or perhaps Today is Holy Thursday, Mr. Speaker, which recognizes the something new, shouldn‟t come as a surprise to members of this last supper that Jesus shared with the apostles, when he broke House. In fact, I think on News Year‟s Eve, on December 31 in bread and shared wine, signifying his body and blood — the the Leader-Post it was reported in Rob Vanstone‟s column in basis for communion celebrations of Christians to this day. It the sports section that the government was looking at, was also recalls the betrayal of Jesus that would ultimately lead to doing a study that considered different options. his death. Mr. Speaker, our government believes that we need to be Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Good Friday, when we remember the prepared for what might be able to be achieved down the road ultimate sacrifice as God gave up his only Son who faced or, you know, depending on the resources of the province, and ridicule and pain and gave his life for the sins of mankind, his so work‟s been under way. We know that something needs to true identity confirmed in Matthew 27:51 where it was written: be done with respect to Mosaic Stadium. Either we need to do some renovations to the stadium itself, as is widely known; The earth shook. The sky darkened. The temple curtains there‟s the option of perhaps of a new open-air stadium; and tore in two. And the soldiers stated, “Surely then this man there‟s potentially the option of an entertainment complex, Mr. was the son of God.” Speaker.

And, Mr. Speaker, this Sunday symbolizes the third day after The Government of Saskatchewan thinks it‟s important for us to Jesus was so brutally tortured and killed. We celebrate Easter be prepared for that eventuality, and so the study‟s been Sunday, the day of Christ‟s resurrection when he triumphed happening for some time — quite well known to the public — over death as he said he would when he stated, “Tear down this to explore different options, Mr. Speaker. temple and I will rebuild it in three days.” Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! As this holiday has to many become a season of candy and bunnies, let us not forget the real, the ultimate sacrifice made by The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina a Son and a Father, who through death created new life. Thank Coronation Park. you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Trew: — Well, Mr. Speaker, this is very interesting. In Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! December, the Premier — the Premier, in December — claimed no interest in a stadium. He said they had other priorities. When [10:15] asked again budget day, the Premier said, no, we have other priorities ahead of a stadium. QUESTION PERIOD Now we find out yesterday that there were consultants had been The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina contracted back in December and allowed to spend up to Coronation Park. $70,000 at the same time that this Premier was claiming no interest in a stadium. Amazingly now we find out that the Plans for Regina Stadium studies prepared by the city‟s independent consultants that the province is trying to look at have only recently come into the Mr. Trew: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In December the hands of the province. Premier said that the Sask Party had little interest in investing in the new stadium in Regina saying, “. . . there‟s a long list of We found out yesterday that the province is considering the priorities first.” option of a new open-air stadium. This happens despite the fact that apparently the city is not considering that as an option. To Yesterday the Minister of Municipal Affairs revealed that, at the minister: what exactly are — or to the Premier — what April 9, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 2741 exactly are the province‟s consultants studying? Will that report stadium/entertainment complex will be paid for. be made public? And why is the Sask Party considering options that the city is not, unless you‟ve already decided what you‟re My question to the Premier is two: why did he deny in going to do? December interest in a stadium? Why did he again deny interest budget day in a stadium, and how much money are you going to The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier. spend on a stadium?

Hon. Mr. Wall: — Mr. Speaker, the hon. member says that he Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! found out yesterday that the government was doing some work into the potential down-the-road feasibility of changes to The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier. Mosaic or perhaps some other stadium options. He found out yesterday, but it‟s been in the newspaper now for months. Hon. Mr. Wall: — Mr. Speaker, let me again direct that hon. member to a quote from the newspaper, the Leader-Post, the December 31, Rob Vanstone in his column reported, and I Rob Vanstone column dated December 31 last year, Mr. quote: Speaker, where it says in the newspaper:

The provincial government is preparing a report on the The provincial government is preparing a report on the stadium issue. Once the report is completed, all parties stadium issue [Mr. Speaker]. Once the report is completed, will be able to consider the options . . . [more clearly]. all parties will be able to consider the options . . . [more clearly]. Some of the options were laid out yesterday for the media by the minister responsible. Mr. Speaker, I‟ve said from the very beginning, members of this side of the House have said from the very beginning, that Then on February 21 again, secretly hidden in the pages of the we need to do something about the stadium. We know . . . Leader-Post, were the following quote: “A feasibility study is being conducted by the provincial government — with which The Speaker: — We‟re only a few hours away from the Easter the city hopes to partner to pay for any kind of improvements break. Maybe we could allow the members presenting the — [or] to . . .” question and the ministers the opportunity to respond without interference. I recognize the Premier. The Speaker: — The Premier has been recognized. Please allow the Premier to respond. Hon. Mr. Wall: — Mr. Speaker, we‟ve been saying for some time that this government has other infrastructure priorities, Mr. Hon. Mr. Wall: — Hidden in the Leader-Post on March 19 Speaker. And more than saying it, we‟ve been acting on it. We were my comments to the media, Mr. Speaker, when asked said a children‟s hospital was a priority for this government. about the stadium. The media quite rightly said the stadium‟s Mr. Speaker, we acted on it. clearly not in the budget. I said, no it‟s not in the budget; neither will any money for any stadium improvements or any other Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! structure for a sports entertainment complex come from infrastructure dollars, ready-for-growth money for the province Hon. Mr. Wall: — We said highways budget, record of Saskatchewan. expenditure on highways is a priority of this government. We‟ve acted on it, Mr. Speaker. But I said very clearly in the media, if there are other innovative partnerships, other ways we can explore to achieve what might Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! be an international-class facility for our province, we‟d be prepared to look at those innovative ways. And we are doing Hon. Mr. Wall: — Now I want to be very clear. What I said on that study that has been made clear to the public now for budget day is precisely what I‟ll again say, and it‟s for the months, Mr. Speaker. public record. We are not going to use ready-for-growth infrastructure dollars for any proposal for any stadium, either Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! the current one or a new one. But if there are some innovative opportunities, some partnerships that we can explore that could The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina achieve some fundamental change that we know will have to be Coronation Park. made — that Calgary is doing it; BC is doing it; Winnipeg‟s announced a new stadium — we‟ll look at those innovative Mr. Trew: — Well, Mr. Speaker, speaking of the media, in a approaches, Mr. Speaker. popular blog hosted by Rod Pedersen, the voice of the Riders, reported December 23 last year: Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear!

. . . I‟ve managed to rub elbows with some significant The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas government officials . . . Park.

I‟m sure they would string me up if I divulged the details Provincial Sales Tax on Used Equipment . . . but suffice it to say that by sound financial planning and management over the next few years, this Mr. Van Mulligen: — Well, Mr. Speaker, just like in 2742 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009 opposition, the Sask Party members feel free to say whatever a bill for the PST on the used equipment, although much of it they want on any given day. In opposition, Mr. Speaker, the was too old and had to be thrown away, Mr. Speaker. Sask Party ran around the province . . . So the question to the Sask Party government is that they‟ve The Speaker: — Order. Member from Regina Douglas Park. now had an opportunity to address this issue of taxing used equipment for well over 16 months. Why do they continue to Mr. Van Mulligen: — In opposition they spent a lot of time force Saskatchewan businesses to pay the tax on used running around the province promising whatever they wanted equipment? without giving any real consideration as to whether or not they could keep those promises. For example, they said if oil prices Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! go too high, we‟ll reduce the fuel tax. Of course we haven‟t seen that. The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

They said that there wouldn‟t be a Fiscal Stabilization Fund. Of Hon. Mr. Gantefoer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. course now we have an even larger one. But one of the things Speaker, I am reluctant to get into details and specifics of any that they were critical of was the PST [provincial sales tax] individual client of the Finance department or the ministry. But charged to business owners for used equipment. And so my I will say this, Mr. Speaker. There are procedures that are question is to the Minister of Finance: what is the Sask Party available . . . government‟s position today regarding the PST on used equipment? The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Hon. Mr. Gantefoer: — There are certainly procedures that are available to all clients of provincial sales tax whereby if The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance. equipment indeed does not have a value on it as determined by the Department of Finance, there is methodology in order to Hon. Mr. Gantefoer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. have that equipment valuated at its real, proper current value. Speaker, the member opposite would likely know that the There are also the possibilities that some equipment is actually current policy of tax on used equipment was introduced by the included with the physical premises and that is also possible to former government in approximately the year 2000. It is mitigate. broadly applied, which is one of the main reasons why Saskatchewan has the ability to keep the rate of PST at the Mr. Speaker, I will say that the Ministry of Finance stands lowest rate outside of Alberta in Canada. It‟s because it‟s ready to meet with the individual involved and to make sure applied on a very broad base. that the application indeed of these taxes are fair and appropriate. And certainly that offer has been extended, and I The second part of it is, Mr. Speaker, the Sask Party did make a understand has been accepted. And I would hope that this will commitment to remove the PST on used vehicles in strategic work its way through as there is a complete understanding and categories. That was accomplished the day after the election, ability to work with the ministry in terms of the specifics. Mr. Speaker. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! And so, Mr. Speaker, there is still application of PST on used equipment. That, we think, is appropriate following the formula The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas that‟s been in place for some time. And we certainly believe Park. that that is appropriate, to keep the base broad so that the rates can be as low as possible. Mr. Van Mulligen: — Well, Mr. Speaker, saying that you have a tax regime that people ought to know — even while Sask Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Party MLAs are still making comments to the effect that charging the PST on old equipment is a tax on a tax on a tax The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas and have pointed out that it is “regressive and inhibits small Park. business” — so what is a business owner in Saskatchewan supposed to deduce from all this, Mr. Speaker? My question is: Mr. Van Mulligen: — Mr. Speaker, it wasn‟t the NDP that was will the minister . . . running around the province with respect to the PST on used equipment. It was the Sask Party. The NDP was frankly too The Speaker: — Order. The member from Regina Douglas busy lowering the sales tax rate to the 5 per cent that the Park can phrase his question. minister speaks of. Mr. Van Mulligen: — My question is: will the minister sit Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! down, undertake to meet with Mr. Danny Thompson with respect to his particular case? Mr. Van Mulligen: — Mr. Speaker, Danny Thompson is a Grenfell man that recently came to Saskatchewan from Alberta. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! He and his family moved here to start their own business. They bought a grocery store — including its used equipment — but The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance. four months after purchasing his business he was presented with April 9, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 2743

Hon. Mr. Gantefoer: — Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, we have To the minister: given that regulation of the nuclear industry is attempted on a number of occasions, starting late last year, in a federal responsibility, will she admit that the Sask Party is order to be fair and appropriate in dealing with any of the pursuing provincial regulation so that it can wrongfully make clients, have attempted to make sure that we communicated the decision to endorse a nuclear reactor without federal appropriately with the individual involved. interference?

I would be pleased, immediately after question period, to meet Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! with Mr. Thompson, and have some officials to make sure that he completely understands the proper procedures that are The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier. available in this issue. I would be more than pleased to meet with him as immediately after question period as is possible. Hon. Mr. Wall: — Mr. Speaker, the basis for some of those, the quote the hon. member read may have been a speech I gave Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! to the Canadian Nuclear Association in Ottawa earlier this year, Mr. Speaker, where I did point out that we need to make sure The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh we have rigorous regulatory regimes around the uranium Acres. industry, around the nuclear industry as well in our country.

Regulation of Nuclear Activity But we also need to avoid duplication, Mr. Speaker. And so I‟ve also said outside in the rotunda that I welcome comments Ms. Morin: — Mr. Speaker, the 2009-2010 working plan for from the federal government and from other premiers that we the Ministry of Environment includes the following under its need to work together to make sure we‟re not duplicating the list of key actions in the coming year: processes. That‟s what we‟re talking about here, while not sacrificing the due diligence that‟s required in a proper Seek to . . . [minimize] provincial regulation of nuclear environmental process. activity under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act in Saskatchewan through an administrative agreement with Mr. Speaker, in terms of a non-uranium mine in our country, I [the] Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. think it‟s about three to five years to get a mine commissioned and operating. It‟s almost 10 years on the uranium side. And To the minister: can she confirm that the Sask Party intends to we‟re simply asking questions of the federal government to pursue provincial regulation of nuclear activity? make sure that we have as streamlined but as rigorous a process as possible so that we can ensure safety but also see continued Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! development of that sector, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Hon. Ms. Tell: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I‟ll take notice of Acres. that question. Thank you. Ms. Morin: — Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday the Sask Party [10:30] provided some insight as to what provincial regulation of the nuclear industry might look like. The Minister of Environment The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh said that the Sask Party‟s new approach to environmental Acres. regulation will be achieved by leaving “. . . the „how‟ of regulation to those who run the plants, factories and mines.” Ms. Morin: — Apparently no one can answer on behalf of the government. The 2003 agreement between Saskatchewan and The government‟s response to a consultant‟s report released the federal government was intended to cover uranium mines Tuesday as well described how this will work. It states that the and mills, and included the Department of Labour. It does not environmental assessments will be conducted “. . . according to address either a nuclear reactor or nuclear waste storage. attached proponent developed Draft Project Specific Guidelines.” On January 28, 2008 The StarPhoenix reported that: To the minister or the Premier: is the Sask Party getting ready The Saskatchewan Party government is concerned the to conduct an environmental assessment according to the length of time it takes for new nuclear . . . projects to come guidelines developed by Bruce Power? on-line in Canada could close the “window of opportunity” it sees opening for the province‟s uranium Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! supply. The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for The article goes on to describe the Premier‟s frustration at all of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport. the difficulties and challenges that are holding Saskatchewan back from being able to develop what he calls “next-generation Hon. Ms. Tell: — This is a tough one. Thank you. Thank you, technology.” Mr. Speaker. Again I take notice of that question. Thank you.

2744 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Prince Albert The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for Northcote. Enterprise and Innovation.

Export of Nuclear Power Hon. Mr. Stewart: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the member for that question as well, although it sounds very Mr. Furber: — Mr. Speaker, according to Bruce Power, much like the last one. And I‟ll reconfirm, Mr. Speaker, that according to the UDP [Uranium Development Partnership], and any conversations I‟ve had with Bruce Power to this date according to this government, the economic viability of a strictly referred to the private sector being responsible for a grid nuclear reactor in Saskatchewan is dependent upon export dedicated to the export of power, if ever that should happen. power. In committee on April 7, the minister responsible for this file said that the export grids would be a private company And clearly in his reference to is there a . . . I think he asked the venture. He said, and I quote, “. . . any discussions . . . I‟ve ever question if there‟s a market for export power. Clearly there is, had with Bruce Power, the risk was always going to be on the Mr. Speaker. Alberta will need at least 4 to 5000 additional private sector for any grid associated with the export of power.” megawatts of power by the time a nuclear power plant could be built. The United States is an insatiable market for power, Mr. To the minister: will he confirm that if Bruce Power operates a Speaker . Of course there‟s a market. And now I‟ve reconfirmed nuclear reactor in Saskatchewan, that Bruce Power will be my limited conversations with Bruce Power on the subject. responsible for 100 per cent of the costs of export grids? Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! The Speaker: — I recognize the member from The Battlefords. The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for Enterprise and Innovation. Public Opinion and Consultation

Hon. Mr. Stewart: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I Mr. Taylor: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In this thank the member for that question as well. You know, we have same committee the other night, as my colleague from Prince a number of steps to proceed through before any decision will Albert Northcote referred to, the Minister of Enterprise and be made as to whether there will ever be a nuclear power Innovation also admitted that this government is making generating station built in this province. decisions regarding issues such as nuclear waste storage based on polling. Mr. Speaker, apparently the Sask Party has done But I can confirm that in the few conversations that I‟ve had some internal polls. When asked if he would make any of this with Bruce Power that there was never any reference to polling information public, the minister said it will not be made SaskPower or the Government of Saskatchewan building any public. grid that would be dedicated to the export of power, Mr. Speaker. I can confirm that. To the minister: it begs the question, who paid for the polling that he refers to? Were there any taxpayers‟ dollars used in the Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! commission of this poll? And why would this polling not be made public? The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Prince Albert Northcote. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear!

Mr. Furber: — He said he‟s never had the conversation, but he The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for won‟t offer the guarantee for the people of Saskatchewan here Enterprise and Innovation. today. Now he said he‟s had conversations with Bruce Power. But Tuesday the Premier told us that his government is having Hon. Mr. Stewart: — Yes, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the hypothetical conversations with Alberta about buying exported member for that question. Clearly we‟ve been told by the power from Saskatchewan. Tuesday night the minister said he‟s people of Saskatchewan that they‟re not ready at this point to having hypothetical conversations with Bruce Power about the consider spent fuel disposal option in the province. And we‟re private sector being responsible for the cost of export grids. responsive to that, Mr. Speaker. And we‟ve said consistently that we‟re not interested in that business being pursued in the Well, Mr. Speaker, I invite both the minister and the Premier to province at this time, at least until we hear the results of the join us here in the real world and have real world conversations public consultations. Maybe we‟ll be surprised. with both those companies and the people of Saskatchewan about the costs associated with this business. And as far as the financing of the poll, that was a Saskatchewan Party endeavour, Mr. Speaker. And, you know, I think I‟ll leave To the minister: how can he expect the people of Saskatchewan it at that, Mr. Speaker. I‟d like to go on and talk about the to make a decision on a nuclear reactor in Saskatchewan if he inconsistencies from that side of the floor, but maybe, maybe if can‟t tell us there‟s a market for export power, and he can‟t there‟s another question. guarantee that the private sector‟s going to be paying for export grids? Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear!

Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! The Speaker: — I recognize the member from The Battlefords.

April 9, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 2745

Mr. Taylor: — Well, Mr. Speaker, the government Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! campaigned on a platform of increased transparency and accountability. And so far, Mr. Speaker, they are applauding The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for failure on this campaign promise. Enterprise and Innovation.

In the last number of days, Mr. Speaker, we‟ve seen Hon. Mr. Stewart: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I‟ve blacked-out reports, blacked-out freedom of information answered this question before, and I‟m more than happy to do it requests, a $70,000 concept review that the government failed again. to announce, and now a poll that they are making decisions upon that they are failing to make public. Mr. Speaker, this government is looking at all methods of energy production in the province, including clean coal in To the minister, Mr. Speaker: what other polls have been which we‟re investing the better part of $1 billion, Mr. Speaker conducted and kept secret from the people of Saskatchewan? — and, Mr. Speaker, and levering $400 million from the private More importantly, Mr. Speaker, is the government now making sector and $250 million from the federal government, Mr. decisions on the basis of polling data? Speaker.

Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Mr. Speaker, we are doing work on geothermal. There‟s work being done continually on wind and research into solar, Mr. The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for Speaker. Per capita we have invested and will be investing more Enterprise and Innovation. money in renewable energy in this province than any other jurisdiction that I‟m aware of in North America. Hon. Mr. Stewart: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the member for that question; I was hoping he would ask Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! it. Mr. Speaker, we have embarked on the most open and accountable public consultation process ever, ever in the history ORDERS OF THE DAY of this province on the subject. WRITTEN QUESTIONS The process began April 3 and will be concluded on June 15 with multiple options for people to respond, including public The Speaker: — I recognize the Government Whip. meetings around the province, Mr. Speaker, but not limited to that. In contrast, Mr. Speaker, previous governments, Mr. Weekes: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the particularly that one, conducted through SaskPower 17 secret answers to questions 339 through 342. nuclear studies — 17 — without any consultation, Mr. Speaker. None of the results of those studies were ever released to the The Speaker: — Questions 339 to 342 tabled. public until after the election when our government released them all, Mr. Speaker. Not only was there not public SEVENTY-FIVE MINUTE DEBATE consultation, there wasn‟t even the release of the studies, and there was even denial . . . The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Cut Knife-Turtleford. The Speaker: — The minister‟s time has elapsed. NDP Leadership Candidates Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Mr. Chisholm: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It‟s an honour to The Speaker: — I recognize the member from The Battlefords. have the opportunity to enter and lead in this debate this morning. Our government is opposed to recent pronouncements Study of Alternative Energy Sources from NDP leadership candidates, and in particular comments that would appear to want to take this province back to where Mr. Taylor: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The they were, instead of to where we want to be. opposition has been hoping to see a genuine dialogue with the people of the province on the future of energy productions. Perhaps the most appalling recent comments were those made recently by a former member who is rumoured to be the leading Mr. Speaker, we‟ve asked the minister responsible if he was candidate that would lead this party in opposition. And that‟s willing to include consultations on alternate energy sources. Mr. important, Mr. Speaker, that should that candidate be Speaker, at the beginning of question period today relating to a successful, he may very well lead that party in opposition for a football stadium in the province of Saskatchewan, the Premier long time. says they‟re willing to spend money in advance to do the studies, and more importantly, quoting the Premier, “be At a recent leadership forum held in Moose Jaw April 2, Dwain prepared for that eventuality.” Lingenfelter had the following to say, and I quote. He said, and I quote: Mr. Speaker, why is this same philosophy not being applied to the idea of alternate energy sources to meet Saskatchewan‟s In the Blakeney government, we set up SaskOil, we future energy needs? nationalized the potash industry. What I regret in many ways is that we didn‟t fight harder the privatization of 2746 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009

some of those things that we did in the Blakeney era . . . Lingenfelter is seeking the position of leader of the opposition [example] allowing the potash corporation to be privatized in this province. And fortunately, Mr. Speaker, his ambitions was a big mistake for the province and a big mistake for and statements, albeit confusing and contradictory, will be the party. We fought it but I think there is a question of contained on that side of the Assembly for a long period of whether we fought it hard enough. We allowed the time. That will be part of our history that we‟ll be able to look privatization of SaskOil which I think was a big mistake back on and say was rather insignificant. for the province as well. And we should get back to the point of setting up an energy company that does our own Would it be possible that what is driving Mr. Lingenfelter‟s drilling and exploration for gas in this province. I‟m plans are for himself, for our province? Our province would be committed to do that if I‟m the Premier. able to host a repeat performance. If the potash industry was provincialized, would there be a place once again for Mr. Something that I find interesting, Mr. Speaker, is that he Lingenfelter? Perhaps a head office in a neighbouring province mentions it would be better for the province. It “. . . was a big or state or country, a takeover, an amalgamation, perhaps a mistake for the province and a big mistake for the party.” Now I vice-presidency or a presidency of this new formed company? don‟t quite understand how, if it was a mistake for the province, why that would be a mistake for the party. Is this a party thing? We have, Mr. Speaker, other contenders in the ring that are The nationalization of industries is something that a party takes seeking the position of leader of the opposition. Although Mr. great pride in? Just a question, Mr. Speaker. Pedersen and I have never met, he does come originally from my constituency, from Cut Knife-Turtleford. And I certainly [10:45] have encountered his parents in my brief political life. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, the constituents of Cut Knife-Turtleford, by Quite frankly, these comments are not only appalling, but and large dismiss this young aspirant on a number of issues. they‟re also very confusing. Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, we should Our constituency, and perhaps less in the Cut Knife area, Mr. just dismiss these comments coming at a time and a locale in Pedersen‟s home, not only benefits, but is in fact driven by the the home community of what some people believe is the base of oil and gas industry. Simply, this province doesn‟t need or the only credible potential opposition to Mr. Lingenfelter in this deserve a Yens Pedersen. race, and these were ill-advised comments by someone seeking an opportunity to score some points on an opponent‟s base. Or The not-long-ago elected president of the NDP party, Mr. perhaps we‟re dealing here just with the comments of simply an Pedersen, seems to be spearheading the initiative to eliminate opportunist. the uranium mining industry completely in our province. And he may have a revelation like the Lingenfelter revelation, that Mr. Lingenfelter supported Jim Dinning‟s bid to become the maybe we could make this all better by provincializing. leader of the Conservative government in Alberta. As we recall, Jim Dinning was the front-runner early in that leadership bid; Here‟s the plan: perhaps a new Crown, a new Crown for the someone an oil executive in Calgary might want to align uranium industry. An interesting concept for business, Mr. himself with. I‟d be interested in Jim Dinning‟s comments Speaker, but the philosophy fails. A business philosophy of, just regarding Mr. Lingenfelter‟s recent stand on the changes that he for example, we don‟t like our product, but if you — the rest of is proposing to the energy industry. Jim Dinning was the lead the thinking world — are interested, we would very much like on privatization in Alberta, and an Albertan who I certainly to take your money. So, Mr. Speaker, I just don‟t think that will have enjoyed a friendship and a philosophical understanding. fly.

So, Mr. Speaker, perhaps we‟re really just dealing with the Mr. Pedersen, the former NDP candidate and relatively recent comments of an opportunist here. Someone who is just playing party president, has come out with his ideas on our energy for the particular crowd that shows up. And the crowd at that sector which includes amalgamation of SaskPower and meeting on April 2 in Moose Jaw probably is somewhat SaskEnergy before buying up oil and gas wells for domestic different than the crowd at the Oilmen‟s in Calgary. It would be production. Mr. Pedersen then wants a Saskatchewan-only comforting if we could simply dismiss these comments as pricing structure, apparently by cutting our exports at global coming from an opportunist at the spur of the moment, but they prices. Saskatchewan does not need a mini-national energy are indeed disturbing, Mr. Speaker. policy. Our province knows the damage that such a program does to our resource sector. Does this potential leader of the opposition want to go back, go back to the glory days of Saskoil, which was at its best a Mr. Pedersen talks of securing our energy, but what this policy mediocre operated oil company by all accounts? Do we want to will do is drive out private investment from our province and go back to the glory days of the potash industry when it was a put thousands of people out of work. The people of very minor industry within this province? He may want to, Mr. Saskatchewan don‟t want another national energy program. Speaker; this province does not wish to go back. And those They want a government that creates an environment that is were not the glory days. As our government proceeds on an friendly to investment and economic growth. agenda of continued growth, I would suggest Mr. Lingenfelter has sent out the wrong message to the corporate sector, the As we are aware, there are a number of other candidates — or investor sector, and the people sector of Saskatchewan. two other candidates — in the race. Mr. Meili‟s position apparently is that he‟d just kind of like to tinker with the royalty A climate of growth need not be veiled with even a hint of rates. Well we saw what happened in Alberta when there was a nationalization of industry. Fortunately, Mr. Speaker, Mr. change in royalty rates, and albeit not that large a change. April 9, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 2747

But now the other member in the race, the minister who‟s pleased to rise today to speak on this private member‟s motion presently talking, the member from Moose Jaw Wakamow, brought forward by the member from Cut Knife-Turtleford, Mr. we‟re not sure about her position on a number of things. So I Speaker, a private member‟s motion that calls for the guess we just won‟t . . . expression of opposition to recent statements made by certain candidates for the leadership of the New Democratic Party. An Hon. Member: — What did you have to say about that member? Mr. Speaker, for the sake of those who are watching or those who are reading my remarks, the rules of the Assembly call for Mr. Chisholm: — What did I have to say . . . Okay. speeches to be 10 minutes in length, Mr. Speaker, and so I intend to speak to that 10-minute limit, Mr. Speaker. The public In the most recent magazine from the Saskatchewan Chamber should know that in fact, Mr. Speaker, were I to be allowed of Commerce, there‟s a couple of interesting charts that I additional time to speak on this motion, Mr. Speaker, there are noticed just came out yesterday. Population in our province in quite a few things that I could say. the third quarter of 2008, Saskatchewan experienced a net increase of 2,064 people from interprovincial migration, Mr. Speaker, more importantly, more importantly, Mr. Speaker, combined with 1,200 immigrants and a natural growth of about I‟d like to ask the member opposite and for those who are the same amount to generate the 10th consecutive quarterly watching, why it is that on a day when Stats Canada is population increase. announcing that 3,000 jobs have been lost in this province in the last three months, why, Mr. Speaker, is this the motion of Well, Mr. Speaker, the charts in this go back to about 2005. priority for the members opposite? Surely to goodness in Cut And it‟s very interesting: on all of the charts included in this Knife-Turtleford, Mr. Speaker, there are issues of more publication, if we draw a line on November 2007 and carry the importance to the constituents of the member opposite than this future to today‟s date, in every one of these major sectors, the issue about what candidates for the leadership of the NDP are increases have been dramatic. It includes population, saying, Mr. Speaker. Obviously members opposite have got employment and earnings, international merchandise trade, some concerns about where candidates may be taking this retail sales. Every category that they go through in their analysis province, Mr. Speaker, but the leadership convention has not shows a dramatic improvement since November 2007. been held yet. And I‟ll say a few words about that in a few minutes. Mr. Speaker, I don‟t think that is by accident, and neither do the people of Saskatchewan. And certainly neither do the people of [11:00] Cut Knife-Turtleford constituency or my neighbouring Battleford constituency. But, Mr. Speaker, by and large with the priorities facing this province, with the worldwide recession surrounding us, Mr. There‟s a couple comments, Mr. Speaker, that have been made Speaker, and with the challenges that a lot of people are facing by other members regarding the whole issue of the potash in this province. For example in The Battlefords, Mr. Speaker, I industry and the legislation that our government saw come off have people phoning my office every week about the lack of the books. The minister from The Battlefords, in April 29, 2008 affordable housing in The Battlefords, and I know that‟s general said the minister says he‟s going to demand a standing vote on across the province. this issue. He may be wasting his time. I don‟t see any reason for the opposition to oppose the legislation. It was put in for a Mr. Speaker, people in The Battlefords are also phoning my specific purpose. It basically achieved its purpose without ever office, Mr. Speaker, about the labour shortages in this province, having needed to have been used. The Act had a role to play. Mr. Speaker. On saskjobs.ca today in the city of North The role has passed. It‟s not necessary any more. Repealing the Battleford, there are 330 jobs listed up for grabs. People can‟t legislation is not a problem. I‟m happy to stand with the find housing in The Battlefords to move in, to go to work for minister on whatever day this comes and vote for a repeal of these businesses in our community, Mr. Speaker. this legislation. This ready for growth agenda that the government announced a So, Mr. Speaker, I see . . . As my time is running out, I would year and a half ago, Mr. Speaker, is going by us because we are like to present the following motion. I move: not prepared, with the support of this government, to even debate or discuss these important priority economic issues, Mr. That the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan express Speaker. Instead the member from Cut Knife-Turtleford is its opposition to recent pronouncements from the NDP asking us to oppose comments that are being made in a leadership candidates that would support the democratic fashion in the democratic development of policy renationalization of Saskatchewan‟s potash and oil within a political party, Mr. Speaker. industries. I realize that the members opposite have difficulty Thank you, Mr. Speaker. understanding how policy is developed democratically, Mr. Speaker, because virtually never, never does the Sask Party Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! have a convention with massive, open, public debate about policy issues, Mr. Speaker. They don‟t understand this process. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from The Battlefords. They don‟t understand how it unfolds or how it works or how you engage people in the province in consultation and Mr. Taylor: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I‟m discussion. Ideas get expressed, Mr. Speaker. People research 2748 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009 those ideas. They think about them. They talk about them, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. And then they make collective decisions. And a good example of that, Mr. Speaker, is the Minister of We have seen time and time again, Mr. Speaker, in this Enterprise and Innovation who on CBC [Canadian Broadcasting Chamber and over the last year and a half, this government Corporation] radio took credit, took credit for all the wind legislating and then consulting. Mr. Speaker. They have said on power generation in the province of Saskatchewan. And when the largest issue facing Saskatchewan people today — this confronted in the Chamber, Mr. Speaker, he said, I wasn‟t question about do the people of Saskatchewan support or not speaking for the time that the Sask Party was in the support a nuclear reactor being built in this province, Mr. government, Mr. Speaker, I was speaking for the entire history Speaker — they have limited, limited consultation with the of Saskatchewan. people of this province to seven meetings in the province over a two-week period of time, Mr. Speaker. We have asked for this Well by golly, Mr. Speaker, a good part of that history in consultation period to be expanded to include information Saskatchewan was ideas developed by grassroots New distribution on all energy sources. Democrats who had a long-term vision for this province and were not afraid to talk about it in public because of fear of what And we have asked, Mr. Speaker, that this consultation process somebody might say about it. be extended to at least the end of the year, Mr. Speaker. Because to engage the public, you need the ideas. You need the The members opposite are simply trying to say to the public of information. You need the discussion. And then, Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan, be afraid of these ideas. Be afraid of these ideas. you reach conclusions. And in this case, Mr. Speaker, Well I want the members opposite to dig out the speech by consultation means understanding what those conclusions are Tommy Douglas about black cats and white cats. Mr. Speaker, and how they were reached. they have forgotten the history of this province. A history, Mr. Speaker, that allowed the public to fully understand that For the opposition to even suggest that a political party because you listen to people doesn‟t necessarily make it correct. withdraw the process of democratically developing policy to You need to, Mr. Speaker, consult with each other and work oppose the democratic development of policy within a political through these issues and develop policies. party, Mr. Speaker, this simply says that the members opposite do not understand it. And for members like the member of Cut The black cats, the white cats, the spotted cats over there, Mr. Knife-Turtleford, who‟s got a lot of issues in his constituency, Speaker, are still chattering away but the mice in the province, to claim that this is the priority of the government on this Mr. Speaker, have got to stop listening to the members over particular day in this legislature, Mr. Speaker, this can only be there to talk amongst themselves. And, Mr. Speaker, it is time described, Mr. Speaker, as a waste of our time, a waste of our for the government to start governing — not living, Mr. energy. Speaker, in the policy discussions of other political parties — but to start governing. Make some policies of their own. Create Mr. Speaker, I have a great respect for this place. And I think some visions of their own, Mr. Speaker. Package them in a way that every member knows I‟ve served in the House of that provides information to all Saskatchewan people, so we Commons, I‟ve served in the municipal city council, Mr. know exactly where we‟re going to be, exactly where we‟re Speaker, and I‟ve now served in this place for more than six going. years, Mr. Speaker. I have a great deal of respect for the process that members who are elected come together to debate issues of New Democrats are not afraid of that. Never have been afraid of public policy to develop a vision, Mr. Speaker, a vision that it, Mr. Speaker. In fact if New Democrats had been afraid of it takes into account the views of the grassroots in this party. and acted like the Sask Party, Mr. Speaker, there‟d be no hospitalization in Canada. There‟d be no medicare in Canada, It has been suggested, Mr. Speaker, that the grassroots of the Mr. Speaker. We‟d be living in a world governed like the Sask Party are really the same as Astroturf, Mr. Speaker. United States, Mr. Speaker, because that‟s what the members There‟s no real root there; it‟s just all on the surface, Mr. opposite were looking for in the ‟60s, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. This is another example of what‟s been called Astroturfing, Mr. Speaker — giving people the idea that the I say this is a waste of time, Mr. Speaker, and I . . . grassroots are there. But there are none, Mr. Speaker, only the views of the members opposite which are very partisan in The Speaker: — The member‟s time has elapsed. nature. This is a political party, Mr. Speaker, that has demonstrated time and time again they are more interested in a Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! partisan debate than they are in a debate that involves vision and the long-term future of our province. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatchewan Rivers. Mr. Speaker, the members opposite have to take the time to start governing this province and stop acting as if they were still Ms. Wilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It‟s a pleasure to rise in opposition. Every single day, Mr. Speaker, there are in the Assembly this morning and to take part in the debate examples from members of the government party now, Mr. today to speak on this motion. And we do support this motion. Speaker, examples that indicate they believe they still sit in the It‟s a motion that supports our province‟s continued growth, opposition benches. They would rather talk about some of the and our government is committed to moving forward and work that was done by the New Democrats in government than promoting a strong and steady government. they want to talk about their own vision for the future, Mr. April 9, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 2749

I believe the NDP leadership candidates supporting the Mr. Speaker, our government, our current government, believes renationalization of Saskatchewan‟s potash and oil industries is the last thing business leaders ever thought would happen in a moving backwards. And, Mr. Speaker, I‟d like to quote Les free and democratic country such as Canada was to see a MacPherson from the Star Phoenix, January 12, 1999: government come forward and use a piece of legislation that would nationalize an industry. Mr. Speaker, our government is There‟s no use trying to tell them that Saskatchewan‟s sending a signal to industry that Saskatchewan is now once NDP administration welcomes business. This only invites again going to join the enlightened world in terms of a painful rehash of ancient political history and the NDP‟s development. nationalization of the Saskatchewan potash industry. Never mind that the industry has long since been So, Mr. Speaker, the NDP, the members opposite, represent a re-privatized and is prospering in the province as never failed philosophy by a failed government. And it‟s very clear to before. me, as the people that I represent from Saskatchewan Rivers, it‟s very clear to them — it‟s clear to all the residents of The issue of nationalization represents possibly what could be Saskatchewan — that that is indeed the case. characterized as some of the darkest days in terms of development in Saskatchewan. The Potash Development Act Our government will continue to move steadily forward despite was brought forward in the mid-‟70s under Premier Allan the negativity by the members opposite. Mr. Speaker, the Blakeney‟s regime. Mr. Speaker, that government said to the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan is the largest company in resource companies, either you will sell, or we will take it from Canada, precisely because the NDP philosophy is wrong. We you. see them flourishing because they understand the free enterprise system. They understand capitalism. They understand the And what we saw was the legislation passed and the marketplace. They understand entrepreneurial risk and reward. government of the day, to the detriment of the Saskatchewan They understand the private sector, and it‟s not the public sector people, decided to buy up potash companies and put at risk that has made this industry flourish. In fact it‟s the opposite of hundreds of millions of taxpayers‟ dollars. Mr. Speaker, the that. consequence of it was really quite shameful. What happened was the companies that looked at investment opportunities in [11:15] Saskatchewan absolutely recoiled from it. So, Mr. Speaker, people in Saskatchewan, the entrepreneurial The Saskatchewan people said, how could we ever trust a class of this province, they were damaged. And they were government that will use the legislative arm of government to damaged almost beyond repair by the actions of the NDP, the expropriate whatever they see the need to? Mr. Speaker, I members opposite. And that has taken some 35 years to repair cannot think of any other thing you could do as a government to the damage, to salvage the years of neglect, and to move on extinguish investor confidence than to do something of that with our government‟s attitude of steady growth which is good nature. And that‟s exactly what we saw. for the people of this province.

People, our heart and soul of the province, those people left our The NDP is clinging to their nationalization philosophy, and it province in droves. And our children and our grandchildren that will be the exact thing that will be the undoing of the New could‟ve grown here in the province, they left. And what were Democratic Party for decades. It will be written down in history we left with? Many can remember during that time frame in for all to read and discuss and to ask, what happened? history watching our Saskatchewan residents, person after person, absolutely abandoning this province for opportunity But, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would also like to discuss the elsewhere. And you can just look at the exodus of people that potash profile with the value of potash sales. And it‟s currently there was to Alberta at that time and to other provinces as well. a very substantial 3.1 billion annually. The potash reserves located in our province are massive, and by conservative The ones that went to Alberta, they went to Calgary; they went estimates Saskatchewan could supply world demand at current to Edmonton, those cities. And those cities were built by the levels for several hundred years. Saskatchewan offshore sales people of Saskatchewan — with our youth, with our children. are made through a marketing company owned by the Saskatchewan potash industry. It has received numerous export So, Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan lost opportunities. They lost awards and has a record of first-class, dependable service. jobs. Saskatchewan lost our youth, and we lost investment. Saskatchewan lost in many ways that could be considered the Less than 5 per cent of Saskatchewan potash is sold in Canada. heart and soul of this province. The investment community, the And about 45 per cent of Saskatchewan potash exports go to the entrepreneurial class of people that in a progressive, United States, while most of the remainder of exports is sold to forward-looking society look at nationalization as a clear signal markets in the Pacific Rim and Latin America. to leave. So, Mr. Speaker, these Saskatchewan residents left, and we‟re still feeling the lasting effects of that to this day. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Saskatchewan has an exceptional size and quality of ore reserves, combined with the lowest production Mr. Speaker, the proof is in the numbers. People left this costs in the world. So our government, the Saskatchewan Party province in droves. Businesses left this province in droves. government, is committed to maintaining a fair and competitive Investment left this province in droves. And we‟ve been royalty and taxation regime. We want to receive a fair return for chained by the ideology of the NDP and nationalization for our resources while encouraging investment and job creation. some 35 years. 2750 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009

So I see my time is up, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but I do support that today. the motion, as well as my government. Thank you. My colleague, the MLA from Battleford, really said it well. So Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! clearly. He can‟t understand the government‟s opposition to democracy where you have a full discussion in public about The Acting Speaker (Mr. McMillan): — I recognize the issues. Why are those people so opposed to that kind of thing? member for Saskatoon Centre. In fact, they bring it up as if it‟s a bad thing to be talking about issues here in Saskatchewan. We know, you know their Mr. Forbes: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. leadership race last time was not so great. They only had one Speaker, and I appreciate the opportunity to stand and enter this person brave enough to step forward. We know the kind of debate. I think it‟s kind of an odd motion because there‟s so policy conventions they have, where actually — can‟t really call much that we could be talking about in a world that‟s changing them policy conventions because they don‟t really have policy. so rapidly. And the government has a lot on its plate and they You know we‟ve heard of conventions where they‟ve had one could be talking about other things, but they choose to be doing or two resolutions on some things. You‟d wonder, is this really this. the most important thing we can be doing?

But you know, on the other hand, Mr. Speaker, I do thank the But, Mr. Speaker, I really want to take a minute to talk about opportunity to talk about some of our leadership candidates. In our four candidates and I‟ll have to go through this relatively fact I will talk about them all because I think we‟ve got an quickly. I went through their websites today. It‟s just some amazing group of candidates out there talking to people right fantastic stuff. In fact two of our candidates were in The across this province. StarPhoenix this morning. I was really proud to hear that my colleague from Moose Jaw . . . And I‟ll read the headline, and I And it‟s an extended period. You know, some people thought quote, “NDP leadership hopeful Higgins vows to fight our leadership campaign was a little too long, but they‟re poverty.” What a brave, solid idea. Somebody stepping up to getting a chance to actually talk to people about issues, the plate in this province saying this is an issue we need to deal compared to the two-week consultation period this government with. We‟ve got to hear more of this. And clearly it‟s feels is more than adequate to talk about the nuclear reactors. responding. We know there are people. We‟ve heard from And we know many people in Saskatchewan are very, very people right across the province. Why don‟t we have a strategy? concerned. Here I have my colleague and somebody I hope does really well in the race, stepping up to the plate, talking about poverty What are some of the kind of things that this government . . . issues. Not on one-off announcements, but she has a good grasp I‟m surprised that they haven‟t raised this issue. Today we hear of the issues right from housing to children‟s issues to basic there are 3,000 jobs lost in the last three months in wages. Very, very innovative and I‟m really glad to hear it. And Saskatchewan. You would think that would be an issue. In fact I you know, Mr. Speaker, it‟s on the website and the government was listening to the previous speaker. She didn‟t talk about the can take a look at that. jobs that potash create or oil creates in this province. She didn‟t want to talk about the jobs. She‟s talking about tax and that kind And she talks about other issues. She talks about democratic of thing, not the kind of things, bread-and-butter issues, that reform. Why aren‟t we talking about democratic reform? The people in Saskatchewan are very interested in. kind of things that we need to have so that people do get engaged in, well for a policy. And of course she talks about We‟re not talking today about the value of building permits in women‟s issues, and clearly that‟s a huge issue for people in this province. I understand that it‟s gone down some 43.5 per Saskatchewan. And I hear the government silent on this issue cent over the last year. The largest drop in Canada. The largest — silent. Only on women‟s day do they actually come forward drop in Canada. We could be talking about that. And we‟ve not and talk about some things. And we know some of the had a debate at all about the forestry sector, and I know there‟s challenges that women face that we have to have a strategy to members over there who represent some of the ridings affected overcome. by that. They‟ve chosen not to discuss that issue. And of course another major bread-and-butter issue is of course the And what does she have to say about nuclear power, Mr. skyrocketing utility and SGI [Saskatchewan Government Speaker? And this is on the website. You can actually go and Insurance] rates. We‟re not talking about that. We‟re not talking see this very clear. And I quote here: about water quality in this province and we should be talking about that, an issue that‟s facing people. Again a As leader of the NDP, I believe our time and energy is bread-and-butter issue that we need to be talking about. better spent looking to conservation and clean, renewable sources of energy than on finding ways to make nuclear fit An issue that relates an awful lot to my riding, but I know right our needs. Wind and solar power are reliable, across this province, the HIV [human immunodeficiency virus] cost-effective energy supplies that can help us build a epidemic. The minister moved quickly to set up a committee cleaner future for our children in the jobs of the future. that will study this. Unbelievable. He‟s known about this for several months and he‟s chosen on that day to meet with some Mr. Speaker, this is very well thought out. Really thinking folks. The duty to consult. Why aren‟t we talking about that? about energy as a whole package, not putting all our eggs in one Well, you know, and I could go on and on about poverty issues basket as this government seems intent on doing. and an anti-poverty strategy that we need so badly in this province. I may get to that, but clearly we‟re not talking about And of course I want to go on to another candidate, Ryan Meili, April 9, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 2751 who today had an opinion piece in The StarPhoenix. And what I‟m running out of time, Mr. Speaker. I wish I had more time to does he say? I quote: talk about this. But of course, you know, this week we‟ve heard about how one minister views blue skies. He doesn‟t like Saskatchewan has the greatest potential for wind and solar anybody talking blue sky. What we hear now is actually energy . . . in the country. We can obtain all of our energy Chicken Little‟s speech talking about the sky is falling. Not needs from renewable [energy] sources such as wind, talking about the future, but talking about the past. solar, and small-scale hydro, rather than non-renewable technologies such as coal, fossil fuels and nuclear power. Mr. Speaker, there was a Jewish proverb I‟d like to quote, “What you don‟t see with your eyes, don‟t witness with your I think it‟s great that our candidates are stepping up to the plate mouth.” And, Mr. Speaker, I hear that so much from the and having a full discussion about the issues that are facing government, that they‟re willing to shoot off at the mouth about people here in Saskatchewan. Again, not putting everything in some ideas. They really need to take some time and get some one basket and saying we‟ve got two weeks to talk about it. experience. I will be against this motion. That‟s shameful, Mr. Speaker. And I think our candidates are bringing the conversations, hearing and listening to people out Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! in Saskatchewan, talking about ideas that matter to people in Saskatchewan. The Acting Speaker (Mr. McMillan): — I recognize the member from Moose Jaw North. He goes on and he‟s got a piece about environment, about education, about labour. And of course we could talk about Mr. Michelson: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. labour, Bill 5 and 6, what this government did to working men Deputy Speaker, it really is concerning when you‟ve got a and women in Saskatchewan, but we‟re not talking about that. political party in this province that has an agenda to limit the And of course health care, very knowledgeable. growth of this province.

Then of course we have Yens Pedersen. And again, he‟s out We have a slate of candidates that obviously do not understand there. He‟s been out there talking to people. And again, a very the potential of this province. They do not understand business. good quality candidate who‟s putting forward some fresh ideas They do not understand wealth creation or forward thinking to for our party and for our province. And I would really move this province forward, Mr. Speaker. encourage the members opposite to take a look at some of the things he‟s talking about. Of course he talks about the And then in the past 16 month, this government has created cornerstones of Saskatchewan, principles for the new direction. more investment opportunities, more jobs, a larger tax base, and I found this very engaging. I think this fellow has put a lot of tax reduction for the people of this province then ever before. thought into policy development. We need to be talking about And I think we should be grateful for that, Mr. Speaker. these things right across Saskatchewan. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! He‟s talking about families. He talks about, our family is the most important aspect of our life. And I agree with him on that, Mr. Michelson: — The people of this province deserve better Mr. Speaker, because it‟s clear we see challenges throughout than what the NDP has to offer. Where this province should the province. We see challenges that the Minister of Social have been advancing over the past decades, they‟ve had a Services is facing, because we have families that are being mindset of a wee province, a mindset that we‟ll be in and out of challenged by living in the economy that‟s making it more equalization and limited vision for the future. difficult. The cost of living. Utility rates are going up. Housing is not there. We need to support that. When Dwain Lingenfelter says allowing the privatization of Saskatchewan oil and potash corporation was a big mistake, and He goes on, talks about Saskatchewan‟s economy provides that he is committed, he‟s committed to setting up his own opportunities for innovation, security, and prosperity. He‟s drilling and exploration company if he becomes premier, Mr. thinking ahead of the game, not again like this government here Speaker, this is very frightening indeed. putting all their eggs in one basket and going gung-ho on that. He‟s talking about the environment. [11:30]

And of course, Mr. Speaker, our fourth candidate — and of Arguably the front-runner, Dwain Lingenfelter, used the course he was the first one in the race — was Dwain socialist theme to line his pockets with the profits and then went Lingenfelter. And of course he has a lot of experience in this into the private enterprise to do more of that and now is coming province in the oil industry, in agriculture, and of course in back to nationalize the strongest industries that contribute to government generally. this provincial revenue. He‟ll say anything that will benefit himself. And if you go to his website, very engaging policy discussions that he has laid out for people in Saskatchewan to take a look at. But, Mr. Speaker, if we look at this province and the wealth that And I would encourage members opposite to take a look at that it has within its boundaries, Mr. Speaker, almost half the and actually read what he has on his website. You know, he agricultural land — we‟ve got the second-largest oil producer in talks about gender parity — very, very important. And then he Canada, the third-largest producer of gas, the largest deposits of talks about the energy future. uranium in the world, Mr. Speaker, the largest deposit of potash, quality products — the opportunities in this province 2752 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009 are huge indeed. In 1989 the government got out of the potash business, and the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan became the largest But history has shown that socialism has restricted our growth. company in Canada. It became the largest since then because It doesn‟t work. It didn‟t work, and it never worked. the NDP philosophy just didn‟t work. It was wrong. This is even noted in The StarPhoenix on April 22, 2008: the Potash Mr. Speaker, if we take this whole concept of socialism, and Corporation leads the pack. Saskatoon-based potash producers just for an example, let‟s put it in the classroom. Let‟s say most valuable firm on the Toronto exchange. we‟ve got our 40-50 per cent students. We‟ve got our 60-70 per cent students and the 80-90 per cent students. If you implement It went on to say, the market value of the Potash Corporation is the socialist idea, you‟ll say, well these 40-50 per cent students now nearly 60 times of the initial worth after nationalization need some assistance, so we‟ll take some points from the 80s was reversed in the late 1989s. Twenty years and it went up by and 90s and move it back. And what really happens is the whole 60 per cent. It shows you the power of the private investment class average just diminishes because you haven‟t got the 40-50 and what it should be doing for this province. per cent students working like they should, and the 80-90 per cent students will obviously not work as hard because they‟re You know, the member from Coronation Park said in one of the not getting the advantage of the efforts that they put into it. debates regarding the repeal of this Act, “. . . the fact that this repeal of The Potash . . . [Corporation] Act is largely a The whole concept of socialism implemented just doesn‟t work. meaningless gesture” is what he called it, Mr. Speaker. He went And, you know, we‟ve got proof of this. In fact we should all on to say, “I don‟t think it‟s going to increase their productive have an education, a university diploma in regards to this . . . [capabilities] by 1 tonne a year.” He went on to say, “I don‟t because this whole lesson cost us over $200 million to the think it‟s going to increase investment by the potash industry or taxpayers of Saskatchewan. anyone else by a $1 year.”

They did it because the government was trying to run business Well, Mr. Speaker, he doesn‟t know what he‟s talking about. — business that they don‟t know anything about, that they Last year, $930 million were in land sales. We set records in should never have been involved with. And I‟ll tell you some of every jurisdiction. $1.5 billion in potash revenue, a huge record. the courses in this degree that we should have. Tappedinto.com When we talk about expansion investment, the potash industry cost us $6.7 million. Navigata cost us $43.3 million. SPUDCO is planning to spend $8.5 billion expanding by 2020, increasing [Saskatchewan Potato Utility Development Company] another productivity by up to 87 per cent. How wrong could that $35 million. Like, we should have university degrees for these member be? because there was a lesson we should have learned. But obviously on that side, they have never learned it. The same thing could be said about SaskOil. Since 1986 when SaskOil was dissolved, Saskatchewan oil production has gone Government cannot and it should not be in business. It lacks the up from 73.7 per cent . . . 73.7 million barrels annually to 160.9 knowledge. It lacks the expertise. It lacks the vision. million barrels in 2008 — well over doubling the production. The oil and gas industry brings with it the expertise, the capital Government in business will drive out private investment from necessary to unlock the resource potential, and does not put our province, and it will put thousands of people out of work. taxpayers‟ money at risk. Let business do business. Let government govern. Business needs to know that they will always be able to do business in Another leader talked about the floating royalty rates. Well let this province without the threat of being overtaken or being me tell you, Mr. Speaker, this would cripple the industry in placed in competition with the public purse. Saskatchewan. When Alberta toyed with royalty rates, it sent investment away. Alberta recently proposed this. And while Saskatchewan had another big lesson on this. It was The Potash Saskatchewan had a record year in land sales, Alberta land sales Development Act of the mid-‟70s that arguably was the most were only 25 per cent of their 2006 sales. Saskatchewan and BC restrictive legislation ever introduced in this House. The NDP, benefit by royalty changes to Alberta would be a grave mistake. the power of the day, used this bully tactics to bring into the law The Potash Development Act which literally drove business out Mr. Speaker, business has to run business. They have the of the province, and it further discouraged investment in this expertise, the knowledge, the capital, and are willing to be province involved. Let government clear the way for investment and collect the royalties and the taxes and benefit the people of The government of the day got their way. They bought out the Saskatchewan. That‟s the way business works. That‟s the way potash companies and consequently devastated the investment to create wealth and well-being for the people of Saskatchewan opportunities in this province. Companies were saying, how without putting public money at risk. It‟s been proven that it could we ever trust a government that will use the legislative works. arm of government to exploit whatever they want, whenever they want? And we oppose the recent pronouncement from the NDP leadership candidates that would support the nationalization of People of this province . . . It drove out people of this province. Saskatchewan‟s potash and oil industry. People were absolutely abandoning this province to find opportunities elsewhere, and they did. The NDP nationalized Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the industry, giving our province the label of being one of the worst places to invest in the country. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! April 9, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 2753

The Acting Speaker (Mr. McMillan): — I recognize the that they sometimes tend to associate coming into good fortune member for Regina Douglas Park. with their ability to manage, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Van Mulligen: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. On the news about the mover‟s comments about differences in Speaker, let me say at the outset that I think it‟s fairly clear, and the NDP leadership, I just would make the observation that that certainly I‟ve made it clear to the media and hopefully to the is so typical of that party opposite. Imagine that, that people public, that I support Dwain Lingenfelter in his quest to become running for a leadership would have different opinions, would the leader of the Saskatchewan NDP. have different ideas about how this province should be governed. Not to be contrasted of course with the Sask Party And so at the outset I want to thank the members opposite for opposite. When they had a convention there is no debate. This the motion they put forward and for focusing attention on the is a secretive, highly stage-managed convention, Mr. Speaker, campaign of Dwain Lingenfelter as he pursues the leadership of where they trot out one or two motions that they debate — no, the Saskatchewan NDP. It‟s a rare opportunity that the debate‟s not the right word — they discussed that they all government members of a different political party would help to agreed to, Mr. Speaker. I can‟t think of a more secretive, focus attention on a leadership candidate such as this, so I very stage-managed political party when they are trotted out for the much appreciate that. public view than the Saskatchewan Party.

Having said that, Mr. Speaker, I might say that the motion is a And perhaps one of the reasons that the Saskatchewan NDP has very timely motion because the deadline for purchasing a done very well over the years is because we tend to take on the membership or for renewing a membership in the Saskatchewan difficult issues that confront them. We debate them. We discuss NDP, in order to be able to vote in the leadership contest on them in the full light of day so that the public knows where we June 6, the deadline for renewing a membership or purchasing a come from and where it is that we‟re going, Mr. Speaker. membership is April 24. So I want to thank the government members for their timely motion and allowing us to talk about Well, Mr. Speaker, the issue raised in this motion is one of the leadership and our party. public ownership. I think the real question here on public ownership is to look at the Saskatchewan Party. I note that one Mr. Speaker, I‟m always pleased to speak about leadership in a day the member for Swift Current, shortly after his election, political sense in Saskatchewan. Always pleased to have an comes into the legislature and rails against Crown corporations opportunity to contrast and compare the leadership of the CCF and Crown ownership, and that‟s the thing that has held [Co-operative Commonwealth Federation], which is the Saskatchewan back over all these years — never mind the fact precursor of the NDP, and then the NDP in Saskatchewan, as that within a few years Saskatchewan was turning up and compared to the leadership being offered by the right in leading the nation in all kinds of indicators — but it‟s Crown Saskatchewan. ownership that held Saskatchewan back for so long.

We have seen on the part of the CCF and the NDP, whether it‟s And then, you know, he becomes the Crown critic and then in Douglas, Lloyd, Blakeney, Romanow, and indeed, Mr. Speaker, the subsequent election people figuratively beat them over the also the member for Saskatoon Riversdale now, that the NDP head and said, don‟t touch the Crown corporations. And then he has had real leadership or vision, competence, and ability for has, you know, an epiphany — an awakening. He says okay, we people of Saskatchewan. And I think one of the reasons that the won‟t touch the Crown corporations, of course except through NDP has formed government for much of the last 65 years is the back door, which they try to do at all times. because we have been able to put forward competent leadership, and therefore I look forward to Mr. Lingenfelter carrying on You know, Mr. Speaker, I don‟t think the ideology on that side with that tradition, Mr. Speaker. has changed. They distrust, don‟t like, frankly would look for opportunities to divest the Saskatchewan people of the I just note in that vein that since 1944, when the CCF was first ownership they have in Crown corporations and other public elected in Saskatchewan, in a period of about 65 years — 65 investments, Mr. Speaker. years — the CCF-NDP has had five leaders in that period of time, from 1944 through till today. On the other hand, the [11:45] Saskatchewan Party has had five leaders in 15 years, going back to 1994. And some days we thought they had a monthly Mr. Speaker, all of this raises the question why the Sask Party revolving door in terms of leadership on the other side. Can‟t of the day, then called the PCs [Progressive Conservative], sold really judge the current leader of the right, of the Sask Party in off the public‟s interest in PCS [Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan; he‟s only been Premier now for 16 months. It‟s Saskatchewan Inc.]. Because the motion talks about, I think, or hard to come to any conclusions, to make any informed Lingenfelter is supposedly talking about the Potash judgment on the very little that we‟ve seen so far. Corporation.

His record in business prior to coming into public life wasn‟t a There is still a question of why it is that the Sask Party of the particularly great record. It‟s not one that‟s played up by the day, then called the PC Party of Saskatchewan, would sell off members opposite. Although, you know, it can be said that this the public share in an enterprise and sell it off at a period of was a Premier that took over at a stage in our history when record low potash prices, and therefore foist on Saskatchewan things were going better than they ever had before on all of the people a cost which is just exorbitant rate, selling things off at indicators. And so he‟s had a lot of opportunity, has had lots of exactly the wrong time. resources to play with, Mr. Speaker. Their problem over there is 2754 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009

Mr. Speaker, to us that was all about ideology, not good That says nothing about SPUDCO and tappedinto, and all those common sense, Mr. Speaker, as was the decision, the foolish kind of investments that weren‟t even sold; they were just lost decision by the Sask Party, then called the PC Party, in 1982-83 investments from the people of Saskatchewan. And it cost to sell off all the equipment owned by the Department of everybody $200 a piece just for that lesson, for all the Highways. What a stupid thing that was to do, Mr. Speaker. I investments that that government made when they were in can‟t for the life of me, and Saskatchewan people still can‟t power and lost money on consistently. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. understand why the right would be so blinded by their ideology that they would sell off the highways equipment from the Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Department of Highways, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Weyburn. Mr. Speaker, a word about SaskEnergy. Certainly one of the dumbest decisions that‟s ever been undertaken by the right in Mr. Duncan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recent Saskatchewan was to successively sell off the government‟s days the big oil lobbyist from Calgary — Dwain Lingenfelter, ownership, the public‟s ownership of gas reserves in who‟s running for the NDP leadership — has said that the Saskatchewan. Now here you have the situation of, we owned privatization of Saskoil was a big mistake for the province. He the natural gas — and natural gas is a commodity that‟s in great went on to say that the government should get back to setting demand by people in Saskatchewan — we owned the natural up an energy company to do drilling, Mr. Speaker. So I would gas in Saskatchewan. They have taken steps over the years to ask the member for The Battlefords — I believe the divest us of that ownership, to sell the natural gas to private opposition‟s energy critic — with the Saskatchewan Oil & Gas interests, and then we purchase the natural gas back for our Show coming up in about two months in the city of Weyburn, I consumers. was wondering if he would put on the record whether he agrees with leadership candidate Dwain Lingenfelter, that this Well, Mr. Speaker, there are places in the world where they province should get back into the oil and gas business; and don‟t approach things in a straight ideological fashion such as whether or not he would also say that, should he be attending that, and where they have far more enlightened leadership. Even the oil and gas show this year in June, if he would put that on in Alberta, you had the city of Medicine Hat that doesn‟t take the record, Mr. Speaker. the natural gas they have, sell it to private interests, and then buy it back from them to meet the needs of their customers, Mr. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Speaker. No, they access the gas directly, and they maintain the ownership of that. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from The Battlefords.

So what we have here, Mr. Speaker, is a motion that speaks to Mr. Taylor: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I straight ideology, and all I can say is that the public doesn‟t care appreciate the question of the member opposite. Members may about ideology. All the public wants is good services at low have noticed that I had to duck out of the Chamber for a few cost. What they don‟t want, Mr. Speaker, is philosophy lessons, minutes when this debate began, Mr. Speaker. And members and then paying through the nose. Thank you very much, Mr. would be interested to know that I was on the phone with Speaker. SaskPower, because I wanted to see what was happening in the province, Mr. Speaker, when the member from Cut Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Knife-Turtleford began his remarks. And SaskPower reports . . .

The Speaker: — Time has elapsed on the 65-minute debate. I The Speaker: — Order. The member from The Battlefords. recognize the member from Saskatoon Massey Place. Mr. Taylor: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And Mr. Broten: — Mr. Speaker, no party has displayed such SaskPower reports that power consumption in the province has flawed ideological tunnel vision as the Sask Party, its dropped 20 per cent since this debate started, Mr. Speaker, as conservative predecessors, its roots in the Canadian Alliance television sets all over the province are being turned off. The party, and its roots in the Reform Party. people of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, want to have their government deal with issues that are pertinent — pertinent to A question to the member from Moose Jaw North: why did his the lives of people in this province today. Tory heroes sell PCS at a record low value? Why did his Tory heroes sell highway equipment at fire sale prices? Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I welcome the invitation of the member from why does his party have such lousy business sense? Weyburn to the Weyburn oil and gas show. Mr. Speaker, I have great confidence in the oil and gas sector, and will continue to Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! support the oil and gas sector working in the province of Saskatchewan. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Moose Jaw Wakamow. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear!

Mr. Michelson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon know, if the records serve me, the upgrader was sold at record Centre. low prices just prior to the election. And I would certainly talk about Wascana Energy, and all of those kinds of investments Mr. Forbes: — Mr. Speaker, this is a question for the member that they had and they sold at record prices. Cameco shares. from Moose Jaw North. In his speech he talked a lot about April 9, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 2755 business savvy and the facts of his expertise in the business Lingenfelter, Saskatchewan NDP will have a leader that has a world. And we know one of the traits of somebody who‟s in proven record of competence in business, as opposed to the good in business is thinking outside the box — thinking outside Leader of the Saskatchewan Party, Mr. Speaker. the box. So I‟m curious what his views are when it comes to how we develop our economy, especially through the energy Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! sector, and what they often term in business as blue skying? The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Moose Jaw Dewdney. Wakamow. Mr. Yates: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The people Mr. Michelson: — Mr. Speaker, thank you. Thanks to the across the province are absolutely fixated on why the opposition for the question from the opposite side. Saskatchewan Party is so fixated on the NDP leadership, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we don‟t know if this is Lingenfelter Mr. Speaker, government shouldn‟t be in business. They‟ve got envy, Mr. Speaker, or that they simply don‟t know how to the power to taxate. They‟ve got the power to regulate. That‟s involve the people of the province in the operations of the what they do. Let the experts who know how to run business province. Mr. Speaker, and then they would rather waste time come into the province with their capital and investment it in talking about irrelevant things . . . here and create jobs. Create jobs and opportunities and no nationalization. It doesn‟t work. It hasn‟t worked in the past. It The Speaker: — Order. The member may re-place his hasn‟t worked around the world, and it hasn‟t worked here. question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Yates: — Mr. Speaker, we‟ve heard for the last number of The Speaker: — I recognize the member from weeks repeatedly, either members‟ statements or motions like Rosetown-Elrose. this dealing with the NDP leadership. Mr. Speaker, my question for them is, Mr. Speaker, if any of them would like to buy Mr. Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Much of the province memberships — in particular, the member from Moose Jaw was shocked to hear that NDP leadership front-runner, North — we‟re prepared to sell it after. Would he like to buy an apparently by a wide margin, Dwain Lingenfelter, has become NDP membership? anti-business with the desire to nationalize the resource industries in Saskatchewan. This announcement by Mr. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! Lingenfelter must be one of the biggest flip-flops in political history. We all know Mr. Lingenfelter left to work for one of The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Moose Jaw Canada‟s largest oil companies. North.

It‟s also well known that he supported Jim Dinning‟s attempt to Mr. Michelson: — Well, Mr. Speaker, you know I‟ve been become leader of the Conservative government in Alberta. Jim offered this, to buy a membership, before this. One of the party Dinning was a person who was the lead on privatization in faithfuls for them actually bought a membership from me in the Alberta. Does the member from Regina Douglas Park, who is a campaign, and I appreciate it because they could see the value public supporter of Mr. Lingenfelter, actually believe that of the candidate. They could see the value of the person. nationalization will make people move to Saskatchewan and start up a business, when the government could eventually take Mr. Speaker, when he talks about the fixation of this side of the their business from them? House, let me tell you, the fixation on the side of the House by the people on this side of the House are fixated about the future Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! of this province, the advancement of this province, and the betterment for all the people of Saskatchewan. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas Park. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear!

Mr. Van Mulligen: — Well, Mr. Speaker, this is the kind of The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina over-the-top, inflated rhetoric, ideologically based comments Qu‟Appelle Valley. that concern Saskatchewan people. You know at the end of the day, Saskatchewan people just want very good services and Ms. Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during the they want it at the lowest cost possible, and they don‟t much NDP leadership race, we‟ve heard many interesting comments. particularly care as to how that takes place. That‟s what they But nothing was more surprising than to hear the front-runner want. calling for the nationalization of the oil industry. This pronouncement shows his clear intentions to renew the NDP‟s The member will know from his own roots in rural support and desire to return to the 1950s mentality. I wonder municipalities that RM [rural municipality] members don‟t what other businesses Mr. Lingenfelter is planning on spend a lot of time wondering about what‟s the best thing to do. expropriating. They think about what is the most cost-effective thing to do for their constituents and that‟s what they set out to do. The question is for the member from The Battlefords. By his silence on these issues, the member must be supporting such I would just make this other observation, Mr. Speaker. In Mr. regressive measures. Why has he not stood up for 2756 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009

Saskatchewan and denounced this kind of NDP candidate‟s accountability in Saskatchewan‟s legislative history.” These are comments? the member from Douglas Park‟s words, Mr. Speaker, right out of Hansard. So again, looking at reporting and accountability, Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! insert SPUDCO. How can members on that side of the House even address some of the issues when that cloud is hanging over The Speaker: — I recognize the member from The Battlefords. them? It‟s very, very interesting to hear how hypocritical that those members are, and can be, when they start talking about Mr. Taylor: — Well, Mr. Speaker, it is interesting that the being accountable and transparent. member would say my silence. I think I‟ve been quite vocal today on this subject and others. Now I could go through a whole a bunch of other issues, but SPUDCO has to be the one that really leads the case from the Mr. Speaker, New Democrats believe in a mixed economy NDP because, Mr. Speaker, that was covered up for six years. where the public sector, the private sector, and the co-operative Covered up. sector work together in the interests of all the people of this province. Mr. Speaker, I stand by the principles of the New Now we know there‟s other areas. When you start looking at Democratic Party and will continue to talk about them, not be the Fodey incident, that was covered up, I think, for 12 years or silent, for as long as I‟m an MLA. 11 years or 13 years or something like that. So accountability — they do not have a leg to stand on. Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! When we start going through some of the aspects of his speech, PRIVATE MEMBERS’ PUBLIC BILLS AND ORDERS Mr. Speaker, the member from Douglas Park even gets into a little bit of an argument with himself. And, you know, the funny ADJOURNED DEBATES thing about arguing with himself, Mr. Speaker, there wasn‟t a clear-cut winner. And he gets talking about well, you know, PRIVATE MEMBERS’ MOTIONS we‟d want to see this done, but that‟s federal jurisdiction. Then he‟d say, well the province should do this, but it‟s federal Bill No. 603 — The Reporting of Federal Transfers Act jurisdiction. And so he doesn‟t even know where he‟s going with his own talk on the subject. [The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by Mr. Van Mulligen that Bill No. 603 — The Now he also got into the topic of equalization. Again, Mr. Reporting of Federal Transfers Act be now read a second Speaker, I would suggest that that member is living in the past. time.] Because if you look at what equalization is for, equalization is for have-not provinces, to try and make the country more The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Wood River. equitable in terms of services. So if a province is doing extremely well, they pay money to the federal government and Mr. Huyghebaert: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I‟m very into the equalization fund, if you wish. And if the province is pleased to stand today to take part in the debate on Bill No. 603. not doing as well as others, then they receive equalization from Mr. Speaker, on reviewing this Bill, there‟s a number of issues the federal government. that I have with the Bill. I don‟t think the Bill was very well thought out. I think it was put forward by the member from Well, Mr. Speaker, my recollection is today that we are a have Douglas Park as some fictitious leaning of a personal thing. province. So why would the member from Douglas Park be talking about equalization? He‟s obviously living in the past And I‟d like to comment. I‟m going to put some comments on again because under the reign of the NDP government, we were the record, Mr. Speaker. But I do want to just comment a little a have-not province. For the majority of the time that they were bit about the member from Douglas Park‟s comments. And it‟s in power, this province was a have-not province, so in fact we very, very clear from his comments he‟s still living in the ‟80s. were the recipients of equalization. Going through Hansard and looking at the numbers of times that he referred to the ‟80s, he‟s obviously still living there. And But for the member to now start talking today, in this day, about I think, Mr. Speaker, he talked about the ‟80s to the extent that I equalization when we‟re a have province, and he‟s brought that might talk about SPUDCO. I think that‟s only fair that I bring up on a few occasions in his speech, Mr. Speaker. So again very stuff like SPUDCO up equal amounts of time as he brought up hypocritical, the member living in the past when this province is the ‟80s. doing well, especially well when compared to other provinces in our economic downturn at the time. [12:00] And . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Yes I think we should I start looking at the member from Douglas Park‟s speech and mention SPUDCO one more time because that was a provincial he talks about, “Reporting of government activities, finances, decision by the government. And did I mention that they results, is a long-held tradition.” Insert SPUDCO. How does covered it up for six years? They actually were not truthful to that ring with the long-held traditions of the NDP for reporting? the people of Saskatchewan for a six-year period on SPUDCO, And that‟s why I‟m going to use SPUDCO, plus others, a few and yet they want to talk about openness and accountability. times in my remarks to this Bill, Mr. Speaker. And there‟s many more cases such as SPUDCO, Mr. Speaker. And you start looking at the “. . . principle of reporting and But in the interests of time, I won‟t go through all of the cases April 9, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 2757 that they‟ve messed up in the past. Lakeview.

But I do want to put some comments on record in direct relation Mr. Nilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I‟m quite surprised to Bill 603. It will basically identify why this Bill . . . I know this morning that the government seems to be so afraid of this the member talked a little earlier in the debate about something Bill. It basically requests that the government provide the being silliest and dumbest. Well I think some of that could go legislature with some simple information based on the federal along with this Bill, Mr. Speaker. So I do want to enter into the public accounts. And the whole point of the Bill is to have clear record some issues that we have with the Bill and why I would information about the federal transfers that come to this be unable to support the Bill. province.

If you look at the administrative side of it, provinces sign Mr. Speaker, when we work here in the province, we end up hundreds of federal-provincial agreements having financial wanting to understand what kinds of funds are coming from the implications, administered through various provincial and federal government. Unfortunately we don‟t always get clear federal ministries. And you would think the member from information when it‟s directed out of the Prime Minister‟s Douglas Park should know that because he used to be Finance office or out of the Premier‟s office. minister. Now it really makes me wonder what he did as Finance minister by not knowing all of these things. It is But, Mr. Speaker, what this particular legislation would do extremely scary to the province while he was there because if would allow for the Public Accounts Committee to review what he didn‟t know all of this stuff, who‟s running the boat? the Provincial Auditor assesses, based on working together with the report of the federal Auditor General. And, Mr. Speaker, I While Saskatchewan knows what federal financial resources are think that one of the clear roles of both government and allocated to our province, it would not know what other opposition in the legislature is to get clear information that we jurisdictions are receiving under their specific bilateral can all use to develop public policy. arrangements with Ottawa. And the member should know that. So how could we be accountable for other jurisdictions, what Now we know from a number of different situations over quite kind of money that they get? a number of decades that it‟s not always clear what the federal transfers are as far as money coming to the province. I was a bit Each province may account for federal payments differently. surprised that the Minister of Finance did not enter into this An example is the way provinces and the federal government debate to set out some of the concerns, although I do appreciate accounted for the 2007-2008 federal trust payments. While the member who did speak, that he identified a couple of areas Saskatchewan recorded these payments as revenue — they were where there could be some work. legally available after federal enacting legislation was passed and eligibility requirements were met — other jurisdictions But, Mr. Speaker, I think that the Provincial Auditor, working applied different accounting and reporting treatment. This together with the federal Auditor General, could deal with those would make interprovincial comparisons very difficult and kinds of payments that are made by the federal government to likely not very useful. Again the member should have known cities. It all shows up in the federal legislation. I think that we this. could also deal with some of the accounting treatment of how payments are made. There is a body of federal provincial And what‟s not included, Mr. Speaker? A number of federal auditors and provincial auditors who actually set out the rules payments being invested in Saskatchewan would not be so that there is more common reporting across the country. recorded as a federal transfer payment in the General Revenue Fund. Some federal payments flow directly to other parties, But frankly, Mr. Speaker, I think that the government is afraid such as cities. A decision would have to be reached on how to of this Bill because of the defence that they‟ve made of our account for these federal transfers and whether there is present Prime Minister and some of the promises that he made consistency between provinces and how these payments are to the people of Saskatchewan that he has not kept. And that accounted for, significantly increasing complexity and goes right to the heart of getting clear information to the compliance. legislature.

Saskatchewan wouldn‟t know what other jurisdictions have as We will continue to push this concept and I encourage the federal funding agreements that involve other parties like cities. members opposite to carefully look at what this particular Now you would think, you would think a former Finance legislation does, because what it will do is answer many of the minister would know that, Mr. Speaker. questions that the public are concerned about. And I think that that‟s a fundamental reason for going forward with legislation. And access — there‟s no certainty that other jurisdictions would be prepared to share the level of detail being requested under So I‟m speaking in favour of this motion and I look forward to Bill 603. It would require all provinces to report details of the vote. federal payments, requiring both significant compliance efforts and potentially the agreement of each province‟s third parties Some Hon. Members: — Hear, hear! who benefit from these payments. That basically puts this Bill into the not well thought out category, Mr. Speaker. And for The Speaker: — The question before the Assembly is the those reasons I will not be able to support this Bill. motion presented by the member from Regina Douglas Park that Bill No. 603, The Reporting of Federal Transfers Act be The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the 2758 Saskatchewan Hansard April 9, 2009 question? Hon. Mr. Gantefoer: — Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn. Some Hon. Members: — Question. The Speaker: — Prior to placing the motion, I want to extend The Speaker: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the best wishes for a happy and pleasant Easter weekend and Easter motion? break. I look forward to seeing the members again on April 20.

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed. The Government House Leader has moved that this House do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the Some Hon. Members: — No. motion?

The Speaker: — Those in favour say Aye. Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — Aye. The Speaker: — This Assembly stands adjourned until April 20 at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: — Those opposed say no. [The Assembly adjourned at 12:22.] Some Hon. Members: — No.

The Speaker: — I believe the nays have it. Standing vote. Call in the members.

[The division bells rang from 12:12 until 12:19.]

The Speaker: — Order. The question before the Assembly is the motion presented by the member from Regina Douglas Park that Bill No. 603, The Reporting of Federal Transfers Act be now read a second time.

Those in favour of the motion, please rise.

[Yeas — 14] Junor Trew Van Mulligen

The Speaker: — Order.

Nilson Yates Higgins Furber Forbes Morin Taylor Quennell Broten McCall Wotherspoon

The Speaker: — Those opposed to the motion, please rise.

[Nays — 35]

Wall Stewart Elhard Bjornerud Draude Krawetz Boyd Eagles McMorris D‟Autremont Hickie Cheveldayoff Tell Gantefoer Harpauer Norris Morgan Hutchinson Huyghebaert Brkich Hart Kirsch Allchurch Weekes Chisholm Wilson Duncan Michelson LeClerc Ottenbreit Ross Reiter Bradshaw Harrison McMillan

Clerk: — Those in favour of the second reading motion, 14. Those opposed, 35.

The Speaker: — The motion is defeated. I recognize the Government House Leader.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Huyghebaert ...... 2737 Van Mulligen ...... 2737 PRESENTING PETITIONS Iwanchuk ...... 2737 Forbes ...... 2737 Morin ...... 2737 Taylor ...... 2737 Broten ...... 2738 STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge Huyghebaert ...... 2738 St. Ann’s Senior Citizens’ Village Junor ...... 2738 Saskatchewan Legislative Internship Program Hart ...... 2738 Vimy Ridge Day Yates ...... 2739 NDP Leadership Candidate Harrison ...... 2739 Easter Message Broten ...... 2739 Ottenbreit ...... 2740 QUESTION PERIOD Plans for Regina Stadium Trew ...... 2740 Wall ...... 2740 Provincial Sales Tax on Used Equipment Van Mulligen ...... 2741 Gantefoer ...... 2742 Regulation of Nuclear Activity Morin ...... 2743 Tell ...... 2743 Wall ...... 2743 Export of Nuclear Power Furber ...... 2744 Stewart ...... 2744 Public Opinion and Consultation Taylor ...... 2744 Stewart ...... 2744 Study of Alternative Energy Sources Taylor ...... 2745 Stewart ...... 2745 ORDERS OF THE DAY WRITTEN QUESTIONS Weekes ...... 2745 SEVENTY-FIVE MINUTE DEBATE NDP Leadership Candidates Chisholm ...... 2745 Taylor ...... 2747, 2754 Wilson ...... 2748 Forbes ...... 2750, 2754 Michelson ...... 2751, 2754 Van Mulligen ...... 2753, 2755 Broten ...... 2754 Duncan ...... 2754 Reiter ...... 2755 Yates ...... 2755 Ross ...... 2755

PRIVATE MEMBERS’ PUBLIC BILLS AND ORDERS ADJOURNED DEBATES PRIVATE MEMBERS’ MOTIONS Bill No. 603 — The Reporting of Federal Transfers Act Huyghebaert ...... 2756 Nilson ...... 2757 Recorded Division...... 2758

GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN CABINET MINISTERS ______

Hon. Brad Wall Premier

Hon. Bob Bjornerud Hon. Nancy Heppner Minister of Agriculture Minister of Environment Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation Hon. Darryl Hickie Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Hon. Bill Boyd Minister of Energy and Resources Minister Responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs Hon. Bill Hutchinson Minister of Municipal Affairs Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff Gaming Corporation Minister of Crown Corporations

Hon. Ken Krawetz Hon. Dan D’Autremont Deputy Premier Minister of Government Services Minister of Education Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Minister Responsible for the Information Hon. Don McMorris Technology Office Minister of Health

Hon. June Draude Hon. Don Morgan Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations Minister of Justice Minister Responsible for Northern Affairs Attorney General

Hon. Wayne Elhard Hon. Rob Norris Minister of Highways and Infrastructure Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission Minister Responsible for Immigration Provincial Secretary Minister Responsible for the Workers’ Compensation Board

Hon. Rod Gantefoer Minister of Finance Hon. Lyle Stewart Minister of Enterprise and Innovation

Hon. Donna Harpauer Minister of Social Services Hon. Christine Tell Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Responsible for Capital City Commission